Evaluation of Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of General Dental Practitioners in West Bengal Regarding Radiation Hazards and Protection: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire-based Survey
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Radiation exposure from dental radiographic procedures, though minimal, can accumulate over time, necessitating adherence to safety guidelines to mitigate potential biological effects. Objective: The present study aimed to assess the awareness and practices of radiation safety among general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the state of West Bengal. Methods: For the current prospective cross-sectional study, a self-structured questionnaire, containing 18 questions after checking for proper validity and reliability was sent to 400 dentists. Pearson Chi-square test was carried out to assess the statistical significance. A P value of ≤0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results: The overall response rate of the survey was 62.25% (249 responses). In total, 81.1.% were aware of the as low as reasonably achievable principle, although only 36.9% used protection equipment like a lead apron/thyroid collar for themselves and 33.3% used it for their patients. In total, 91.2% used an X-ray machine approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, while only 34.9% acknowledged having registered themselves and their clinical staff for thermoluminescent dosimeter badges. Conclusion: Conducting various Continuing Dental education programs is necessary to give practitioners better exposure to radiation safety and its application, ensuring their application of radiation safety measures in their clinical practice.
Authors: Debanti Giri, Rritam Ghosh, Sayan Chattopadhyay, Debasree Boral, Kanad Chaudhuri
Institution: Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Oral Surgery
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4408979115